After leading Iowa House Democrats to pick up three seats this year, House Speaker Pat Murphy and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy were retained in their leadership positions by the House Democratic caucus today.

House Speaker Pro Tem Polly Butka will also remain in her position, but there are some new names among this year’s assistant majority leaders. The four state representatives awarded that title include Ako Abdul-Samad, Elesha Gayman, Mike Reasoner and John Whitaker.

In a press release, Murphy and McCarthy released the following statements:

“Our top priority will be to help Iowans recover and rebuild from the devastating storms and slowing national economy. We are creating a new House Rebuild Iowa Committee that will consider recommendations from the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission and help Iowans recover from the natural disasters this year,” said Murphy.

“It’s a great honor to serve as House Majority Leader and I’m extremely proud that the House is more representative of our state with a record six African-Americans serving in 2009.  Democrats are committed to keeping our promises, focusing on the bread and butter issues that Iowans care about, and keeping the state’s fiscal house in order,” said McCarthy.